Title: An act relating to adding domestic violence court order violation to the list of offenses eligible for notification.

Brief Description: Adding domestic violence court order violation to the list of offenses eligible for notification.

Sponsors: Representatives O'Brien, Pearson, Dickerson, Loomis, Hurst, Morrell, Sullivan, Kenney, McDonald, Hudgins and Kelley; by request of Department of Corrections.

Brief History:

Human Services: 1/29/08, 1/31/08 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dickerson, Chair; Roberts, Vice Chair; Ahern, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Darneille, McCoy and O'Brien.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Victim Notification

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is required to send written notice of parole, release, community custody, work release placement, furlough, or escape, to certain persons at least 30 days in advance. This notice requirement applies to offenders convicted of a violent offense, a sex offense, or felony harassment. The list of persons to whom the notice must be sent includes:

• the chief of police of the city in which the offender will reside or be placed in work release;
• the sheriff of the county in which the offender will reside or be placed in work release;
• the State Patrol (sex offenders only);
• any victim, witness, or person specified by the prosecuting attorney, who has requested notice; and
• any person who has requested notice, at least 60 days prior to release, about a sex offender.

Domestic Violence Court Orders

A variety of court orders may be issued to protect persons from domestic violence. Violation of protection orders issued in this state and by other jurisdictions is a gross misdemeanor in most circumstances. If, however, the defendant has two or more convictions for violating a protection order, the offense is an "unranked" class C felony punishable by 0-12 months in jail, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Summary of Bill:

The DOC's notification program is expanded to include offenders convicted of domestic violence court orders.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is important for victims of domestic violence. A victim of domestic violence can be in jeopardy when a perpetrator is released and the victim does not know where he or she is. Currently, victims of domestic violence are not always notified when the perpetrator of the violence is released. This bill will give victims of domestic violence the opportunity to marshal their resources to protect themselves.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative O'Brien, prime sponsor; Steve Eckstrom, Department of Corrections, Victim Services; Don Pierce, Washington Association of Sheriff and Police Chiefs; and Thomas Paulsen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.